Kayla Yaakov, one of the few females racing in MotoAmerica the top series of professional motorcycle road racing in the U.S., is 17 years old.
A role model for young girls and women, Kayla Yaakov has competed in 2023 for a top position in the MotoAmerica Revit Twins Cup Class moving to Supersport by the end of the season.
She became the first female to podium in MotoAmerica Supersport with a 3rd place finish and the only female to podium in 3 MotoAmerica classes.
Kayla also won the 2023 Yamaha bLU cRU R7 Cup Championship, at Circuito de Cartagena in Murcia, Spain.
She was the only MotoAmerica rider and also the only American in the field of 16 riders who were selected by Yamaha to compete in the Championship series. In true form Kayla Yaakov won both races.
KAYLA’S FAMILY
At first glance, Kayla’s sweet countenance and a long braided strawberry blond hair is a delightful invitation for a friendly conversation, about none other than her participation in the male-dominated sport of competitive motorsports.
The juxtaposition made me so curious and I knew I was getting the privilege of time with a phenomenon!. Kayla has a beautiful smile and bright eyes and was cheerful to speak with but her focus and determination around racing motorcycles was unweavering.
Hi Kayla, we are so happy to meet you and so impressed by your accomplishments in the motorcycle world so far. Tell me a little about growing up with your family.
So, I grew up here in the United States and was born in Virginia. Now, I live in Pennsylvania with my parents.
My mom is from the US, but my dad was born in Israel. But yeah, I just kind of grew up with racing.
Is anyone in your family involved in motorcycles?
My dad raced bikes and cars for 15 years. So he was a big racer himself and you know kind of got me into liking the sport. His name is David Yaakov and when I was little, I saw him in magazines. So I always wanted to do it.
Do you travel with your family?
I travel with my dad for the most part. I miss home a little, but I enjoy being on the road, traveling, and obviously racing. Doing what I love all year is a pleasure.
What was your very first motorcycle?
I was probably three and a half when I got my first bike. For the most part I was just getting held up. And what type of motorcycle was it? It was a little Suzuki Jr. 50
KAYLA’S MOTIVATION
Photo by @stillhouse_co
What is so special about riding that keeps you going no matter what?
I think that riding motorcycles gives me the outlet for everything that I have. It is where I know I am going to have fun no matter what. Even if I have a bad day, I know that I am doing what I love and its always something I come back to.
You know, when you’re young and you find something that you really like it’s like a new best friend. So the motorcycles were like my best friends. I know I am going to have fun no matter what.
Also, when you travel with your family, my dad. And I enjoy being on the road, enjoy traveling, and obviously racing. So, you know, doing what I love all year is great.
We have seen great female riders at COTA. Last year we interviewed female racer Patricia Fernández in the King of the Baggers Class.Do you think the races shoud be gender segregated?
No, I don’t think so.
“Being the only girl competing at times, among all male racers does not bother me, or think that should make a difference. That is something that I have been able to prove.”
KAYLA’S DUCATI
Photo by NIckless Photos
Can you tell me a little about your Ducati motorcycle?
It is amazing, – a great bike. It’s a Ducati Panigale V2, with a 944cc twin cylinder engine that makes 155hp, about 400 lb weight. One of the best chassis, a big learning curve. And earlier this year I went on a learning trip for my Ducati at the Mugello Circuit in Italy.
“I think it’s, for sure, (Ducati) the best Supersport bike on the grid. It’s so agile, very light, and really does suit my riding style very well.”
Are you going to compete in more races in Europe, specially in Italy now that you ride an Italian Ducati motorcycle?
I hope to go back to Italy, not this year, but maybe next year in another race.
How much training do you have to do to prepare for a MotoAmerica Superbike competition like this one in Austin?
I do training 3-5 times a week. Also do indoor bike cycling and I do a lot of cycling in the tracks.
How do you like the COTA track compared to others where you have competed before?
I liket it, but in this track I feel the bumps a lot more, it’s one that takes a little time to adapt to but similar to European tracks. You have to be very meticulous
KAYLA’S SCHOOL STUDIES
Spending so many hours on your motorcycle and with the dedication to training and travel, how do you balance being current in your education and performing the best you can in the races?
I do online school through my school district. They allow me to do asynchronous work so that I never miss anything. If I am a little bit behind, as long as I get it done by a certain day I am fine.
I am about to finish high-school and can possibly see myself doing an associates degree to help out with my dads businesses.
KAYLA’S PERSONAL DETAILS
DO YOU HAVE ANY RITUALS BEFORE YOU START A RACE?
More than rituals, I am a little superstitious. For example, If I do something good while listening to a certain song, then I consider that my good luck song.
Kayla Yaakov and Lilia Rodriguez-Davis of La Revista Mujer
Photo by Laura Miguel
DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES THAT NOBODY KNOWS ABOUT?
Mmm. I like playing musical instruments. For example I play the guitar, the bass and the saxophone with my brother.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?
Blue
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?
I like chicken and rice bowls, but believe it or not, there is a lot of Mexican food around in Pennsylvania and my favorite food is tacos de carnitas con salsa verde!
WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND TO A YOUNG WOMAN OR ANY WOMAN AT ANY AGE, WHO WANTS TO START RIDING MOTORCYCLES?
I would say not to be afraid that you may be the only girl and I think the sport is for anyone.
What is your objective in this race at COTA?
This weekend If I finish in the top 5 I will be very happy.
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Kayla finished 11th place in the Supersport Race One and seventh place on the Second Race at COTA, but one thing is clear, Kayla Yaakov, the woman, the rider, is just beginning to bloom and she is an incredible role model.
We are proud to have the young and talented Kayla Yaakov representing the sport of motorcycles.
Stay tuned for Kayla’s next races!
Follow Kayla in Instagram: @kayla_yakoov
By: Lilia Rodriguez- Davis
Editor in Chief of La Revista Mujer
Photos by Nickless Photos
